Ice Skating on the Common

Posted: November 15, 2017

It’s that time of year again! Lace up those skates, and head to the ice! Located in the heart of downtown, steps from Worcester City Hall and the Theatre District, The Oval at Worcester Common is a favorite wintertime experience that visitors of all ages can enjoy!

The City of Worcester's 12,000-square-foot rink opened in 2012. The rink is 4,000 square feet larger than the rink at New York City's Rockefeller Center, offering visitors a fun and affordable skating experience! Outfitted with piped-in music and holiday lights, the rink also includes skate rentals and concessions. The rink is professionally managed by SMG, the DCU Center's talented management team.

HOURS OF OPERATION

The Worcester Common Oval opens for the Winter season with the annual Festival of Lights Celebration every December. This year's Festival of Lights is scheduled for Friday, December 1, 2017. Regular hours of operation are generally Thursdays and Fridays 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING

The Oval will be open on Christmas Eve from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Christmas Day.

The Oval is also open for daytime skating during school vacation weeks. During winter vacation (12/26-1/01), the Oval is open from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, 1 p.m. until 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on New Years Eve. Additionally, the Oval will be open on New Years Day from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

ADMISSION & EVENTS

Public skating is only $10 for adults ($5 admission + $5 rental skates) and kids under 6 may skate free (+$5 rental skates if applicable). Please note that there is a $25 refundable deposit per skate rental.

Check out the Events Calendar for an updated list of special guests and happenings at the Oval!

WEATHER POLICY

In the event of questionable weather conditions, please call 508-929-0777 for updated Oval conditions and/or rink schedule and closures, or visit the Oval's Facebook Page for updates on cancellations.

PRIVATE RENTALS

For Group purchases and Private Rental information, please call the DCU Center at 508-929-0125 for additional information.

SKATE RENTALS

During public skating hours at the Worcester Common Oval, ice skate rentals will be available for $5.

Planning to rent skates? Save time by printing the attached form below and completing the application in advance. Remember, you will need valid identification, PLUS a major credit card in order to rent skates. If you don't have a credit card, a $25 fully refundable cash deposit is required for each pair of skates rented.

PLAN YOUR DAY

There's so much to do in downtown Worcester so make a day of it! Before or after your time at the skating rink, enjoy a warm cup of coffee or a snack at Brew on the Grid, or have a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants near the Common.